Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Deals Eyed by Red Devils, Latest Rumours
Zlatan Ibrahimovic apparently wants to work with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, despite a chequered past that includes the towering Swedish striker describing the Dutch gaffer in less-than flattering terms.
On the possibility of working with Van Gaal, Ibrahimovic had this to say, according to Sports Illustrated (h/t MailOnline's Dan Ripley):
"At the end, I think he is professional and I am professional. Whoever I work with, I never had this kind of problem, because at the end I need to do my job, he needs to do his job. And I think a lot of fights would happen, but that’s something I like.
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Not too surprisingly, this statement has reignited speculation Ibrahimovic will be on his way to Old Trafford during this transfer window. However, Ripley notes a cordial working relationship between the fiery pair may not be possible given their past:
"Ibrahimovic has previously hit out at Van Gaal in the past, calling the Dutchman 'a pompous a***' in his autobiography 'I am Zlatan.' Van Gaal has put United supporters into a frenzy after announcing he will make a surprise signing with a striker.
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Ibrahimovic claims those issues stem from Van Gaal's time as a director at Ajax, where the young centre-forward received his first big break in European football.
Ripley's reference to Van Gaal's "surprise signing" is also interesting. Van Gaal recently played down suggestions the mystery newcomer's position is striker, per Jonathan Green of the Daily Star: "I don't know if I want to buy a striker. I have read in the media that the striker is a surprise. No. That is not what I said. I mean something else."
Whether that's classic transfer window misdirection or not, you're free to decide. Ibrahimovic has certainly been open about the possibility of leaving Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
He recently made that clear to Sky Italia (h/t Mirror writer Sean Carter): "Should I stay in Paris? My future is in the hands of Mino Raiola." That's certainly nudging the door ajar.
But whatever Ibrahimovic and his agent may be cooking up, there's one other factor United ought to consider. Do the Red Devils even need a new star centre-forward with Wayne Rooney still on the books?
The creative England international is already being groomed for a role back through the middle, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson:
"Wayne Rooney will be Manchester United’s main centre-forward this season, with Louis van Gaal clear there is no longer a need for the four-striker model that has brought the club so much success.
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Yet Van Gaal is relaxed regarding recruiting another frontline finisher because of how he hopes the side will play and his faith in Rooney, despite him scoring only 12 Premier League goals last season.
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Rooney certainly still has the tools to lead the line for United. That's especially true in the kind of fluid front three Van Gaal is planning.
Rooney thrives whenever he has direct pace either side of him. New signing Memphis Depay will provide ample amounts of that quality.
But the Dutch forward, who loves to attack from the flanks, may not be the only fleet-footed star Rooney attempts to link with this season.
United in 'Advanced Talks' for Pedro
Van Gaal's answer to boosting his forward line may come from one of his old stomping grounds. The Dutchman is stepping up his efforts to sign Barcelona forward Pedro.
In fact, ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney claims United will hold talks with representatives from the La Liga club this weekend, as both teams prepare to play each other in a pre-season friendly in San Francisco. The same report indicates the Red Devils "hope to complete a deal for the 27-year-old by the middle of next week."
That's an ambitious timetable but certainly one worth pursuing considering Pedro's threat and class in front of goal. Although the ESPN article also strangely claims United have "some slight reservations about the player's pace," Pedro is certainly skilled and experienced enough to flourish in a front three.
It's what he's done his entire career at Barca. Anyone who's watched him the last few years will have seen a player certainly quick enough to play between the lines and exploit defensive gaps.
When he's given a chance, Pedro rarely wastes it. His assurance in front of goal would dovetail well with Depay's athletic power and Rooney's technical guile.
Reports from Spanish publication Marca (h/t Sport Witness) have claimed Pedro has even told Barca's hierarchy he wants to leave.
Pedro is definitely more suited to the type of attack Van Gaal is building at United. As for Ibrahimovic, given the 33-year-old's age and temperament, United would be wise to steer clear of the big Swede.
With Rooney through the middle, Van Gaal's squad already has the striker it needs. Getting the right support around him is the problem Van Gaal must solve.
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